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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Four contenders from the Utah Republican party are vying to claim the vacancy left by U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney’s retirement. These candidates will square off Monday night in a debate that is set to signal the brand of conservatism that resonates most with statewide voters.
This leading debate during a week filled with primary discussions will scrutinize former President Donald Trump’s sweeping clout in Utah, a reliably red state that has shown reservations towards fully supporting him. A last-minute endorsement by Trump propelled an obscure mayor to seize the party’s nomination over numerous other hopefuls at the April gathering.
Historically representing the party’s centrist faction, Romney’s departure from Congress has created an opening for further right-leaning candidates. The choice of his successor, whether in tune with Romney’s views or aligning more with the ideals of Utah’s other senator and Trump ally Mike Lee, is being closely monitored.
Entering as the presumptive leader for the June 25 primary is moderate U.S. Rep. John Curtis, although convention winner Trent Staggs and ex-Utah House Speaker Brad Wilson, who also backs Trump, are expected to steer Utah politics further right post-Romney.
Securing their primary ballot places through petition signatures even before the convention were Curtis, Wilson, and entrepreneur Jason Walton, who will all take part in the debate alongside Staggs.
Staggs, age 49, solidified his support by reaching out to state GOP delegates and seeking endorsements from Trump and his nationwide allies. As Riverton’s mayor, located in the southern suburbs of Salt Lake City, Staggs was the inaugural entrant in the Senate contest before Romney’s announcement of non-reelection intentions. However, Staggs’ convention success may not be indicative of wider electoral triumph, as such nominations have traditionally not had a significant influence on Utah’s electorate decisions.
Often likened to Romney for his stand against party extremists, especially regarding environmental issues, Curtis has nonetheless sought to differentiate himself from the outgoing senator during his campaign. A one-time Democratic Party functionary at the county level, the 63-year-old lawmaker and former Provo mayor boasts significant experience, claiming to be the sole contender with a profound understanding of congressional operations.
Backed by Gov. Spencer Cox among other prominent state figures, Wilson contends his impact on Utah’s citizenry has been most pronounced through his leadership in state legislature. Pointing to his legislative tenure featuring tax reductions and fiscal negotiations, Wilson, 55, asserts he can tackle excessive federal spending. Moreover, he advocates for easing federal guidelines that hinder local authorities from apprehending immigrants residing unlawfully in the country.
The Republican primary victor will challenge Democratic candidate Caroline Gleich, a climber and ecological advocate, come November. A Democrat has not been sent to the Senate by Utah voters since 1970.
Earlier on Monday, U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy, vying for her maiden full congressional mandate for Utah’s 2nd District following a special election triumph last autumn, justified her initial tenure in Congress during a debate with rival Colby Jenkins, who depicted her bipartisan efforts as yielding to Democratic interests.
Jenkins, a telecommunications specialist and retired U.S. Army officer, surpassed Maloy at this year’s party convention buoyed by Lee’s backing, but not by an ample spread to avoid the primary. He used his debate platform to argue for Trump’s presidency reinstatement, while Maloy defended her support for several multipartisan fiscal bills. The arduous primary’s successful nominee will contend with Democrat Nathaniel Woodward, a family law barrister, in the November elections.
Candidates for the governorship, attorney general, and the vacancy in Curtis’ Congressional berth will engage in further debates on the following Tuesday and Wednesday.
